Homemade Fishing Lures

Entertain the kids by making some homemade fishing lures!

Even if you’re one of those “fishing is always in season” types, there will inevitably be times when you just can’t make it out. You’re stuck at home, twiddling your thumbs, the kids are bugging you for something to do. These dreaded in-between times can be an angler’s worst nightmare.

If you find yourself in one these situations, why not use the time to make some new lure and jigs for your next outing? It keeps those of us who are antsy to go fishing preoccupied, plus you’ll have some neat (and probably very inexpensive) lures to use when the fishing is good again! Making homemade lures will keep kids interested in fishing and excited to get back out on the water casting a line. For both kids and adults, I bet you’ll find it much more rewarding to catch a fish on your homemade lure than it is on a lure you buy from a store.

You can get creative, and plenty of directions can be found online by searching Google with key words such as “how to make a fishing lure” or something similar. Here are some tips and ideas to get you started.

Homemade Fishing Lures

Remember, fish like flashy. Anything that will catch the light is a good bet. Bottle caps, can tabs, and old spoons work well and are likely to be hanging around the house. If you want to be more official, blank spinners and flashers can be purchased online.
Add some color! Beads, nail polish, or feathers will brighten a lure up. Craft store and tackle shops often sell colorful, reflective tape that can be cut in various shapes.

Be sure to use a strong wire. One that will remain stiff should be used as the main shank to which the spinners, beads, hook, etc. are attached. Jewelry wire or strong thread can be used to hold on feathers and other add-ons.

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Put the hook on last! The last thing you want to do is explain to your spouse how her son ended up with a fishhook through his finger…

The most important thing is to have fun and be creative! It’s a great feeling to catch a fish on your own lure. Remember, you never know what a fish will strike. The original fishing spoon was discovered when a utensil that had dropped over the side of a boat was attacked by a fish as it fluttered to the bottom. Who knows, maybe you’ll make famous lure…